Cyclone the storm Intensifies While Heads Toward Jamaica
Hurricane the storm is forecast to become a uncommon Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of the Caribbean island, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.
This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to hit the coast by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.
Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been announced as this storm produces up to 76cm of precipitation and coastal flooding as high as 13ft above typical tides. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been urged.
Melissa is the thirteenth cyclone in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.
Highest-Level Storm Threat
A category five storm is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 252 km/h.
While Melissa is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at Jamaica, meteorologists said there was "minimal real distinction in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the nation.
Critical Readiness Measures
With tropical storm-strength winds and rain already expected long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".
"A multi-day period of harmful winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple rock slides," advised climate experts.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said: "I know that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.
"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any unease and anxiety is to remain prepared."
Inhabitants are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.
Broader Effects
Alerts are also in effect for regions of Haiti encompassing the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is anticipated to bring comparable impacts by the middle portion of the coming week.
Mudslides already being caused by the storm have caused two deaths in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.
Expected Course
Melissa is projected to pass over Cuba by Wednesday before moving through the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.
By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 hurricane.
Weather Connection
While it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to global warming, experts say it is resulting in climate patterns more prevalent and more extreme.
Warmer oceans generate more moisture in the air, aiding in the development of hurricanes.
Prior to the beginning of this year's Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, mentioning warmer seas and potential stronger monsoon activity around the western African continent - where hurricanes frequently develop.
